Yes, there are special statuses for spouses and children (dependents) of E-3 visa holders which allows them to travel with you on an E-3 (whether they are Australian citizens or not).
For spouses (must be married – de facto doesn't count in the US), you automatically receive working rights on the E-3S status. For children (unmarried and under 21) there is a special E-3Y status which allows them to study, attend school, but not work. More information about these visas can be found here.
Unfortunately these are the only categories available to family members, so you can't bring other family members with you.
Hi Josh,
Firstly, thank you for this site. It is very informative and helpful.
I am currently in the US on an E3 visa. I am engaged and intending to marry a US citizen. I have been in the US since 2019 on a renewed, (not extended) E3’s. I am understand the processes however am uncertain of the best route of what I understand to be the three options for me to stay in the US.
(1) Applying for an extension of status to my current E3 and not being able to leave the country (I need to travel internationally for business so an extension doesn’t allow this ); or
(2) applying for a renewal of my E3, which I understand can only be done in Australia; or
(3) applying for the fiancee visa (which also means we need to marry within 90 days according to the website).
Is applying for a fiancee visa something that we could do whilst I am in the US or do I have to apply for this in Australia? I have found the information on USCIS very confusing and full of potential issues. Also if we were married whilst I was still legally in the US would I need to return to Australia to have a new visa processed.
Have you had experience with this before or have any advice. We are currently seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer.
Apologies for all the questions, but my head is spinning from the quagmire of USCIS.
Thanks,